| |
| Lamborghini Diablo | |
|---|---|
| Lamborghini | |
| aka | P132 (prototype) |
| Production | 1990-2001 |
| Class | Supercar |
| Body Style | 2-door, 2-seat, Mid-Engined Coupe 2-door, 2-seat, Mid-Engined Roadster |
| Length | 176.0 in (4470 mm) |
| Width | 80.3 in (2040 mm) |
| Height | 43.9 in (1115 mm) |
| Wheelbase | 140.3 in (2649 mm) |
| Weight | 3,582 lbs (1,625 kg) |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual |
| Engine | 5.7 liter (5707cc) DOHC V12 6.0 liter (5992cc) DOHC V12 |
| Power | 530 hp @ 7100 RPM 444 lb-ft of torque @ 5500 RPM 550 hp @ 7100 RPM 457 lb-ft of torque @ 5500 RPM |
| Similar | Ferrari F50 Porsche 911 Turbo Koenigsegg CCX |
| Designer | Luigi Marmiroli Drawn by Marcello Gandini for Chrysler Detroit Styling Center |
The πππ¦ππ¨π«π π‘π’π§π’ ππ’πππ₯π¨ (which means "Devil" in Spanish) was a high-performance supercar built by Lamborghini of Italy between 1990 and 2001. It was developed by Chrysler, which at the time owned Lamborghini, and designed by long-time Lamborghini designer Marcello Gandini. The car went on to be produced for 11 years, seeing three ownership changes of Lamborghini in its lifetime. First to Megatech then V'Power/Mycom and, finally, to the Volkswagen Group which produced the final and most powerful iteration of the car. This was the third of the V12 Lamborghini models produced over the years
Name[]
The name ππ’πππ₯π¨ was taken from a ferocious bull raised by the Duke of Veragua in the 19th century, it fought an epic battle with the matador "El Chicorro" in Madrid on July 11, 1869.
This Bulll became legendary for its well-known and often violent history.
πππ¦ππ¨π«π π‘π’π§π’ ππ’πππ₯π¨ 1990-1998[]
Lamborghini began developing the Diablo in 1989 as a replacement for the Countach model, introducing it for sale on January 21, 1991 at a base price of US$240,000. Power came from a 5.7 litre, 48 valve version of the legendary Lamborghini V12 featuring DOHC and computer-controlled multi-point fuel injection, producing around 492 horsepower (367 kW) and 427 foot-pounds (579 NΒ·m) of torque. The vehicle could reach 60 mph in around 4 seconds, with an indicated top speed of 212 miles per hour (340 km/h) tested by Sandro Munari. The Diablo was originally rear wheel drive and the engine was mid-mounted to aid its weight balance.
Even at over $200,000, the vehicle was somewhat spartan, featuring only basic radio functions (with optional CD playback) along with manual windows, adjustable but unpowered seats and no antilock brakes, mostly to minimize the vehicle's already high curb weight. A few options were available, including having the driver's seat molded specifically for the buyer, a rear wing spoiler, a factory fitted luggage set (priced at $2,600) and an exclusive Breguet clock for the dash (priced at $10,500).
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πππ¦ππ¨π«π π‘π’π§π’ ππ’πππ₯π¨ ππ (Ver. 1) 1993-1998 and πππ¦ππ¨π«π π‘π’π§π’ ππ’πππ₯π¨ ππ "Roadster" (Ver. 1), 1995-1998[]
After three years of making minor adjustments to the Diablo, Lamborghini decided in 1994 that a second, even more specialized version of the car could add new customers to the brand. Starting with the basic Diablo platform, Lamborghini engineers added a viscous-coupling type all-wheel-drive system, an improved power steering system, resized front wheels and tires chosen to work better with the all-wheel-drive system, four-piston Brembo brake calipers, an updated dashboard design and a new computerized suspension system featuring aggressively tuned Koni shock absorbers. The suspension system could be left in "auto" mode where it was controlled entirely by the computer, or any of four separate "modes" could be manually selected by the driver via buttons in the cabin. The vehicle still lacked ABS brakes.
Lamborghini had presented an open-topped concept version of the VT (Viscous Traction) at the 1992 Geneva Auto Show alongside the coupΓ© when the car debuted there, but it was another 3 years before the model saw production. Other than its removable Targa-style carbon fiber roof panel, the vehicle was essentially identical to the coupΓ©, with only a few minor styling differences, mainly in regards to the tail lights between the two models.
- πππ¦ππ¨π«π π‘π’π§π’ ππ’πππ₯π¨ ππ Coupe
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- πππ¦ππ¨π«π π‘π’π§π’ ππ’πππ₯π¨ ππ Roadster
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πππ¦ππ¨π«π π‘π’π§π’ ππ’πππ₯π¨ "SE30" 1994-1995 and πππ¦ππ¨π«π π‘π’π§π’ ππ’πππ₯π¨ "SE30 Jota", 1995[]
A lightened, hard-edged racing variant of the standard Diablo, the SE30 was sold in limited numbers during 1994 to celebrate Lamborghini's 30th anniversary. In total just 150 cars were made, eight of which were right hand drive (RHD).
- πππ¦ππ¨π«π π‘π’π§π’ ππ’πππ₯π¨ "SE30"
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In 1995 Lamborghini introduced the SE30 Jota; the Jota was produced from the Lamborghini factory but SE30 owners also had the option of having Lamborghini upgrade their SE30 to Jota specifications. The Jota upgrade consisted of two roof mounted air scoops, a re-tuned L.I.E. chip and a 6-speed all-synchromesh gearbox if the Diablo was made at the Lamborghini factory. With these upgrades in place the Diablo SE30 Jota could produce 595 BHP, 72 more than the SE30's 523 BHP. In total only 28 Jota upgrade kits were made but 1 of these was not installed. Contradictory to this, it is believed that only 12 Jotas were actually made (10 in LHD, 2 in RHD); this figure may have come from the number of model made by Lamborghini itself. As an interesting side note about the Jota, Jay Kay (lead singer of Jamiroquai), featured the sound of this car in the intro to a track, called "Travelling without moving" on the band's album of the same name.
- πππ¦ππ¨π«π π‘π’π§π’ ππ’πππ₯π¨ "SE30 Jota"
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The car went without most of the Diablo's standard equipment, meaning that it was devoid of a radio, air-conditioning or sound insulation and featured carbonfibre molded seats, helping to make it 125 kg lighter than the standard car. Lamborghini choose to do without the VT's advanced electronic suspension or all-wheel-drive systems, but the car did get an advanced adjustment system controlled with an interior dial that could instantaneously adjust the stiffness of the car's front and rear anti-roll bars. They also enlarged the brake discs of all four wheels, but the car still lacked ABS.
πππ¦ππ¨π«π π‘π’π§π’ ππ’πππ₯π¨ ππ (Ver. 1) 1995-1998[]
The Diablo SV was introduced in 1995 at the Geneva Motor Show, reviving the Super Veloce title first used on the Miura SV. The SV is based on the standard Diablo and thus lacks the four-wheel drive system of the VT. A notable feature of the SV is an increase in power output to 517 PS (380 kW; 510 hp) at 7,100 rpm and 580 Nβ m (428 lbfβ ft) of torque at 5,900 rpm which, paired with the rear-wheel drive layout, can increase the likelihood of loss of traction during hard driving. Despite its higher power output, the SV was priced as the entry-level model in the Diablo range, falling below the standard Diablo by a small margin. An adjustable rear spoiler was installed as standard equipment and could be color-matched to the car body or formed from carbon fibre. Other exterior changes included black tail lamp surrounds, repositioned rear fog and reverse lamps as on the SE30, dual front fog lamps (rather than the quad style found on all previous models), an extra set of front brake cooling ducts, an engine lid similar to that installed on the Diablo SE30 Jota, and optional "SV" decals for the sides of the car. The SV also featured larger diameter front brakes (340 mm (13.4 in)) and a corresponding increase in front wheel size to 18 inches.
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In 1998, a limited 20-car run of the Diablo SV was produced exclusively for the United States market and called the Monterey Edition. The most notable feature of this edition was the use of the SE30/VT Roadster style of air intakes in front of the rear wheels, unlike the traditional (and persisting) SV style. Several of the cars were painted in unusual, vibrant colours. One Monterey Edition, featuring an upgraded engine and brakes, was driven by Mario Andretti during the Lamborghini-sponsored "Running of the Bulls" event in California.
πππ¦ππ¨π«π π‘π’π§π’ ππ’πππ₯π¨ ππ (Ver. 2) and πππ¦ππ¨π«π π‘π’π§π’ ππ’πππ₯π¨ ππ Roadster (Ver. 2) 1999[]
The second version of the VT coupΓ© and roadster added mostly cosmetic and styling changes. The cars now featured the SV's exposed headlamps, new wheels and a newly redesigned dashboard - details below. On the mechanical side, larger brakes, the long-overdue addition of ABS brakes and a new variable valve timing system on the 5.7 litre V12 were the only mechanical updates. Power output increased to 530 horsepower (395 kW), dropping the car's 0-100 km/h time to 3.9 seconds. Despite the money Lamborghini had spent making the updates, the "Version 2" VTs were discontinued after only one year of production.
- πππ¦ππ¨π«π π‘π’π§π’ ππ’πππ₯π¨ ππ Roadster
πππ¦ππ¨π«π π‘π’π§π’ ππ’πππ₯π¨ ππ (Ver. 2) 1999[]
Just like the updated versions of the VT coupΓ© and roadster, the 1999 model year SV's changes were primarily limited to cosmetics. It received slight bodywork updates (keeping the exposed headlamps), new wheels and larger brakes in addition to the new VVT-equipped, 530 horsepower (395 kW) motor. The SV's top speed was just 180 mph thanks to close gearing, accelleration was improved because of this. The 1999 Diablos also gained a new dashboard. Instead of the traditional flat dashboard with a separate upright instrument binnacle, as on so many Italian supercars, the new dash was of a more fluid, wave shaped design. A thin strip of black glass runs the length of the dash, and instruments lights such as main beam, headlight operation and low fuel warning appear within this strip. The concept was inspired by Bang & Olufsen Hi-Fi products. Otherwise, the 1999 Diablo remained fundamentally unchanged. Like the updated VT, it was produced only as a production model for the 1999 model year.
A limited edition 2000 model was produced, available only in metallic silver - most of these cars are in the United States.
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πππ¦ππ¨π«π π‘π’π§π’ ππ’πππ₯π¨ "GT" 1999[]
As much as the SV (Sport Veloce) was already a near race-ready version of the Diablo, the limited run GT model went even further in the same direction. It boasted a modified version of the V12 engine, bored out to 6.0 litres and producing 575 horsepower (430 kW), while enlarged brakes, an improved and lower-riding suspension and owner-specific gearing were other mechanical changes. More aggressive bodywork with flared fenders and wider wheels was introduced. Only 80 units were produced in total and the vehicle was sold officially only in Europe.
πππ¦ππ¨π«π π‘π’π§π’ ππ’πππ₯π¨ ππ 6.0 (Diablo VT Ver. 3) 2000-2001[]
After Audi AG took over Lamborghini from its former South East Asian owners in 1998, Mycom and VPower, they set out to make major revisions to the Diablo so that it could continue to provide revenue while its replacement was developed. The VT 6.0 was their first (and last) truly intensive redesign of the car, meaning that it was more than just a cosmetic update to the existing model. Heavy styling changes both inside and out were made; the front bumper, air intakes and nose as well as the entire dashboard, seats and switchgear were changed and improved. Displacing 6.0 litres and based on the motor that powered the Diablo GT, which in itself was essentially a modified version of the 5.7, the motor had updated ECU software in addition to new intake and exhaust systems and a refined variable valve timing system with slightly less aggressive camshafts than had been used in the earlier versions.
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Performance[]
| Power | 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) |
Top Speed |
|---|---|---|
| 493 PS | 4.0 s | 212 mph - Diablo |
| 485 PS | 4.2 s | 202 mph - Diablo VT |
| 503 PS | 3.9 s | 180 mph - Diablo SV |
| 518 PS | 4.0 s | 212 mph - Diablo SE30 |
| 533 PS | 3.9 s | 200 mph - Diablo 6.0 VT |
Trivia[]
- Diablos have been depicted in many car-racing games, particularly the Need for Speed series.
- The Diablo's indicator switchgear is actually that of the Morris Marina.
- Fixed headlights on the Diablo are actually the same as those on the Z32 chassis Nissan 300ZX.
- In a 7-Eleven television commercial, Yoshiki of ex-X Japan rode in the Diablo.
Model List[]
- Diablo (1990-1998)
- Diablo VT (1993-1998)
- Diablo SE 30 (1994)
- Diablo SV (1995-1998)
- Diablo VT Roadster (1995-1998)
- Diablo VT (1999)
- Diablo SV (1999)
- Diablo VT Roadster (1999)
- Diablo GT (1999)
- Diablo VT 6.0 (2000)
- Diablo Millenium Roadster (2000)
- Diablo VT 6.0 Special Edition (2001)
Special Factory Editions[]
- Diablo SE Jota Edition
- Diablo SV Roadster
- Diablo Alpine Edition
- Diablo SV Monterey Edition
- Diablo VT Roadster MOMO Edition
- The Malcolm Forbes Diablo
- Diablo VT-R
- Diablo Roadster VT-R
- Diablo GT1
- Diablo GT2
- Diablo GT2 (2002)
- Diablo SVS
- Diablo SE Corsa and Jota P-Series
πππ¦ππ¨π«π π‘π’π§π’ ππ’πππ₯π¨ ππ-R (1996)[]
The Diablo SV-R was the first Lamborghini that was officially entered into racing by the factory, although the actual drivers werenβt factory pilots, it was still the closest thing to a race car Automobili Lamborghini SpA ever built, beside the Formula one engines they built.
Automobili Lamborghini SpA issued a press release on this car during the 1996 Geneva Auto Show, which stated they would offer a three years mono brand Trophy that was open to both professional drivers and gentleman enthusiasts offering them the possibility to drive the new Diablo SV-R, a true racing version of the famous Lamborghini Diablo.
Naturally the Diablo SV-R also received some unique body features only found on this race car, like the deep front spoiler and side skirts, finished in black they further increase the intimidating, very low looks of the Diablo. The air intakes on the engine cover remained the same, but the SV-R got a massive, Carbon Fiber rear wing that was fully adjustable. At the rear of the car the bumper was also removed and four very impressive βfinsβ were mounted together with a central mounted, dual tip exhaust which actually was no more than an un-muffled megaphone system, stating this produced a thundering, loud exhaust tune was probably an understatement. Since the Diablo SV-R sits so low on the tarmac, they had to install four air-jacks to lift the car when it arrived in the pits to replace the tires there was simply no room to roll a trolley jack underneath this Lamborghini. When the wheels were removed you could admire the massive 355mm Brembo brakes at the front axle, while the rear axle received 335 mm slotted Brembo. There are linear rate springs on the SV-R, wrapped around Koni 28-12 dampers at the front and Koni 28-11 ones at the back, suspension setup is comparable to the Diablo SV model, but twice as hard.
- Specifications :
| Type | Diablo SV-R |
| Production | 31 units |
| Power | 540 bhp @ 7,100 rpm |
| 0 - 60 mph | 3.7 seconds |
| Engine | 5.7 L Nat Aspirated V12 |
| Torque | 441 ft lbs @ 5,800 rpm |
| Top Speed | 205 mph |
- Note that work on these Diablo SV-R models didnβt start until February 1996, with an introduction in March 1996 at the Geneva Auto Show, and a first public race in June 14th at the famous Le Mans circuit were no less than 28 SV-Rβs were present, and whatβs more, they all finished too making this a initial outing very special, it was even called the βzero faults operationβ afterwards. This meant that in a matter of only four months they built at least 28 race prepared Diablo SV-Rβs.
It became obvious that the Lamborghini Diablo SV-R mono brand Trophy was well on itβs way to become a great success for Automobili Lamborghini SpA.
Nearly 10 years later these cars were still considered to be the ultimate Diablo, next to the later Diablo GT (and GTR) model the Diablo SV-R was still a popular car, several were used on tracks all over the world after the Lamborghini Supertrophy was held for four consecutive years, to be replaced by the GTR Supertrophy in 2000 which featured to more potent Diablo GTR race cars.
Especially Japan was a big market to obtain real Diablo SV-R cars and register them for road use, one even made it to the United States, the Diablo SV-R number 24/32 was painted in true United States colors and later received a complete Diablo VT 6.0 front which made it road legal, even in the US.
Several Diablo SV-R were converted for street use after they were βretiredβ from the Supertrophy, some were even sold in their original state but with all the parts needed to convert to road cars as a package it was not uncommon to see an SV-R being converted into a streetcar while the rear wing and rear fins were used on other models in the Diablo range, which clearly stated that the Diablo SV-R was a car that would be remembered into the future.
- For more detailed information see Lamborghini Diablo SV-R
πππ¦ππ¨π«π π‘π’π§π’ ππ’πππ₯π¨ ππ "Victoria's Secret" Special (1998)[]
This wasnβt a real factory special but a custom ordered Diablo SV modified for Victoriaβs Secret, in cooperation with Lamborghini USA. The original car was ordered as a pearl white metallic Diablo SV for Victoriaβs Secret (a famous lingerie company by the way) as a publicity stunt for the 1998 edition of their Christmas Catalogue.
From the 1998 Christmas Catalogue you could however order this Diablo, or a similar one directly from Victoriaβs Secret. If you would have bought this car, you would also receive a free trip to Las Vegas and a weekend to drive your Diablo under the eye of a professional test driver in the Lamborghini Driving Academy.
The car pictured here with the six βangelsβ had chassis nr. WLA12945 and was sold to an American customer, it still resides in the United States and according to several sources a second Diablo VS wasnβt ordered so it remains a one-off truly special Diablo. Note that at the time of writing this car still exists, but the current owner had the βVSβ logo removed from the sides.
- Features :
- The VS logo on the side of the car represented the Victoriaβs Secret company initials, they were in fact a standard βSVβ logo mounted in reverse, since the decals were delivered with the car unmounted on the doors it wasnβt too difficult to inverse the logo.
- A more difficult task would be the headrests, they too showed a reversed SV logo, but this was done by Automobili Lamborghini SpA in Italy, they could be persuaded into doing custom work for most customers if you could afford the rather high extra costs.
- All Diablo VS would to be finished in the same pearl white metallic shade over a creme leather interior and naturally include the big VS-logo mounted on both sides of the car.
- On the inside an Alpine navigation system was installed coupled to a 6-disc CD changer, a custom luggage set made to match the interior and some special driving gloves, again in the same leather as the magnificent seats. Even a matching cellular phone case was delivered with the car.
- The rear wing seen on the standard Diablo SV was also mounted, painted in the same pearl white metallic as the rest of this truly exotic car, also chrome finished three-piece, five spoke wheels were mounted, 18 inch to both the front and rear.
πππ¦ππ¨π«π π‘π’π§π’ ππ’πππ₯π¨ GT-R (2000)[]
After campaigning the Diablo SV-R for four years in the Diablo Supertrophy, Lamborghini launched a completely new car for the 2000 season. Just as the SV-R was a race-ready SV, the Diablo GTR, introduced at the 1999 Bologna Motor Show, was a Diablo GT converted to a track oriented specification with power and handling improvements, a stripped interior, and weight reduction.
The GTR's interior was stripped down to save weight; the air conditioning, stereo, and sound and heatproofing were removed, and a single racing seat with 6-point seatbelt harness, MOMO fire suppression system and steering wheel, complete integrated roll cage, fixed Plexiglass windows with sliding sections, and newly designed air intake were fitted.
The GT had already featured an aggressive, track-oriented styling, but the GTR took this a little further with features such as an even larger rear wing bolted directly to the chassis like a true race car, 18 inch hollow magnesium Speedline centerlock wheels, pneumatic air jacks for raising the car in the pit lane (like the SV-R, it was too low for a rolling jack), and an emergency fuel shutoff switch on the left front fender.
The GTR utilized the same basic 6.0-litre V12 engine that had made its debut on the street-legal GT, but with revised fuel and ignition systems, individual throttle bodies, a dynamic air intake duct system, variable valve timing, titanium connecting rods, and a lightened crankshaft. These improvements allowed the engine to have a power output of 598 PS (440 kW; 590 hp) and 640 Nβ m (472 lbβ ft) of torque. The engine was bolted to the usual 5-speed transmission in a rear-wheel drive layout. Extra heat exchangers were added for the differential and transmission oil to prevent overheating under extreme racing conditions. A fast-filling racing fuel cell replaced the standard gasoline tank. The suspension was stiffened and lowered, and racing brake calipers were installed.
Thirty cars were initially planned to be produced but actual production amounted to 40 units, and 40 chassis were prepared to replace cars wrecked in racing accidents.
- In the hands of multiple Australian Drivers' Champion Paul Stokell, a Diablo GTR run by Team Lamborghini Australia won the 2003 and 2004 Australian Nations Cup Championships. The GTR was also raced by Stokell, Luke Youlden, Peter Hackett and Danish driver Allan Simonsen in the 2003 Bathurst 24 Hour race where after qualifying 6th would go on to finish 8th outright after suffering a number of punctures throughout the race.
- For more detailed information see Lamborghini Diablo GT-R
See Also[]
| Lamborghini road car timeline ([edit]) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Type | 1960s | 1970s | 1980s | 1990s | 2000s | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | |||
| Ferruccio Lamborghini | Rossetti/Leimer | receivership | Mimram | Chrysler | M'tec/V'Power | Audi | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| FR | GT | 350GT | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2+2 | 400GT | Islero | Jarama | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Coupe | Espada | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| RMR | V8/V10 | Silhouette | Jalpa | Gallardo | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2+2 | Urraco | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| V12 | 4000 GT | Miura | Countach | Diablo | Murcielago | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SUV | LM002 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Videos[]
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